The Ride-Along program is designed to allow college and technical school students considering a career in the fire service an opportunity to observe a day in the life of a firefighter.

Ride-alongs are limited to students 18 years of age and older. Ride-along experiences occur during the week excluding city holidays and during regular business hours.

Students may participate in one ride-along per calendar year including ride-alongs that are part of a fire-science class or curriculum. If you are a fire-science student please contact your program director to find out if ride-alongs are a required part of your plan of study before you scheduling with the CRFD.

As a ride-along you will be representing the city and the fire department. Ride-along participants should arrive at the fire station well-groomed and should wear predominantly dark colored shoes, blue or black pants (jeans are okay as long as they are in good repair), and a solid colored shirt with a collar. Please do not wear or bring items that identify you as a member of a fire department (helmets, turnout gear, hats, t-shirts, uniforms, coats, etc).

Emergency Medical Technician students and Paramedic students that would like to complete their clinical time with the Cedar Rapids Fire Department should contact their emergency medical services training program clinical coordinator or scheduler.